Facts on Graduation Gifts

Graduation--whether from high school, college or otherwise--is an important turning point in every student's life. It can signal a time of moving away from family and friends, the start of a new job or just a change of everyday life. Getting the right gift for graduates can help them adapt to the inevitable changes, remember the life they are leaving behind or assist them financially in the next phase of their lives.

Time Frame

Send a gift once you receive a graduation announcement from the graduate or at a graduation party; if no announcement is sent and you want to send a gift, sending it about a week before the graduation will suffice.

Size

Depending on how well you know the graduate and what type of graduation she is (high school, college) will determine the (monetary) size of the gift.

Considerations

Think outside the box--anyone can send money, but think about sending appropriate dorm or house items, collegiate memorabilia, grocery and restaurant gift cards or other unique gifts that fit the person and the next era in his life.

Types

Send money, gift cards, pictures or other useful items.

Warning

To keep your gift safe, you should avoid sending cash and possibly checks--stick with gift cards (that don't expire) or gift credit/debit cards; when shipping expensive gifts, consider purchasing insurance with the postage.

Misconceptions

Graduates don't always want cash--they will appreciate (or at least may need) thoughtful items.